Course and Examination Regulations 2009-2010
Master’s Programme Public Administration
These course and examination regulations have been drawn up in accordance with Section 7.13 of the Higher Education and Research Act [Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek] (WHW)1 and additional
quality marks as set out in the framework document Leiden University Register of Study Programmes [Leids universitair register opleidingen].
Contents
1. General Provisions
2. Description of the Programme 3. Curriculum
4. Examinations and Final Examination 5. Admission Requirements
6. Student Counselling 7. Final Provisions
1. The Dutch Higher Education and Research Act [Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek] came into effect on 1 September 1993. It is sometimes referred to by its acronym WHW.
Chapter 1
General Provisions
Article 1.1 Scope of the Regulations
These regulations apply to the teaching and examinations of the master’s degree programme of Public Administration, hereinafter referred to as the programme. The programme is offered by the Institute of Public Administration, part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences of Leiden University, hereinafter referred to as: the faculty.
Article 1.2 Definitions
In these regulations the following definitions apply:
a. board of admissions: the committee that, under the aegis and on behalf of the faculty board, and in accordance with the admission requirements, decides which students are to be admitted to the programme;
b. board of examiners: the board of examiners of the programme, established in accordance with Section 7.12 of the Act;
c. component: a study unit of the programme as defined in Section 7.3 of the Act. The course load of each component is expressed as whole credits. Every component involves an examination;
d. credit: the unit expressing the course load of a course component pursuant to the Act. According to the ECTS one credit equals 28 hours of studying;
e. ECTS: the European Credit Transfer System;
f. examination [tentamen]2: an evaluation of the knowledge, understanding and skills of the student in
respect of a particular component, and an assessment thereof, in accordance with Section 7.10 of the Act, by at least one examiner appointed to this purpose;
g. examiner: the person appointed by the board of examiners to conduct examinations and examinations, in accordance with Section 7.12 of the Act;
h. final examination [examen]2:
evaluation whereby the board of examiners, in accordance with Section 7.10 of the Act, verifies whether the candidate (student) has successfully completed all components and other requirements of the master’s degree programme;
i. Leiden University Register of Study Programmes (Leids universitair register opleidingen)
register3 of the programmes offered by Leiden University, kept under
supervision of the Executive Board;
j. level: the level of a component according to the abstract structure as defined in the framework document of the Leiden University Register of Study Programmes;
k. practical: practical assignment as defined in section 7.13 (2) (d) of the Act, in one of the following forms:
- the writing of a thesis,
- the writing of a paper, the design and implementation of a project, or the creation of a technological design,
- the implementation of a research assignment,
- the participation in fieldwork or an excursion,
- the completion of a traineeship, or
- the taking part in another educational activity aimed at acquiring particular skills;
l. prospectus: a document containing details and binding information on the programme;
m. student: a person registered with Leiden University for the purpose of taking courses, the sitting of examinations and the taking of examinations of the programme;
n. the Act: the Higher Education and Research Act [Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek ] (WHW).
o. working day: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays;
p. master’s thesis: the result of one of the practicals as referred to under k.;
Other terms have the meaning given to them by the Act.
Article 1.3 Code of Conduct regarding ICT and Education
The Code of Conduct regarding ICT and Education [Gedragscode ICT en Onderwijs]4 shall apply to the
programme and its courses.
4. The Code of Conduct for Teachers and Students in ICT supported education [Gedragscode docenten en studenten binnen ICT en onderwijs] was adopted by the Executive Board on 26 May 2005 and can be found at the following website: www.reglementen.leidenuniv.nl
Chapter 2
Description of the Programme
Article 2.1 Objectives of the Programme
The programme has the following objectives: a Master of Public Administration has an academic orientation and both a general as well as specialized knowledge of the phenomena of Public Administration. The
programme trains people for middle level management positions in and related to public administration, with the possibility of further developing their careers. In addition to having broad insights into knowledge about and approaches to Public Administration, graduates of the Master’s programme will have an in-depth knowledge of the complexity of specific issues and problem areas. The graduate will thus have sufficient understanding of Public Administration research to undertake research in administrative practice, or to undergo further training as an academic. The graduate is thus capable of recognizing, comprehending and analyzing Public Administration phenomena at an academic level and of judging the relevance of theories and insights and applying them to practical issues.
Article 2.2 Specialisations
The programme offers the following specialisations: Crisis and Security Management
European Governance International Administration
Management van de Publieke Sector / Public Sector Management Politics and Bureaucracy
Public Policy, Lobbying and Media
Besturing van de gezondheidszorgsystemen
Article 2.3 Achievement Levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the programme:
1. The Leiden Master of Public Administration has a profound awareness of the distinct nature of governance in the public sector.
2. The Leiden Master of Public Administration has a thorough understanding of the various public administration theories and approaches which are commonly used in the profile of the master. 3. The Leiden Master of Public Administration possesses the capacity to identify a theoretical framework
suitable for addressing public administration problems and issues.
4. The Leiden Master of Public Administration has the capacity to apply various theoretical frameworks in conducting independently basic research in public administration issues.
5. The Leiden Master of Public Administration is capable of critically selecting, studying and analyzing public administration literature.
6. The Leiden Master of Public Administration possesses the capacity to report independently about public administration research which is carried out according to current academic standards.
Article 2.4 Structure of the Programme
The programme offers full-time tuition only.
Article 2.5 Start of the programme
The programme will start on 1 September and on 1 February of each year.
Article 2.6 Study Load
Article 2.7 Uniform Structure of the Academic Year
As to taught courses, the programme is based on the uniform structure of the academic year, with the academic year being divided into semesters5.
Article 2.8 Language of Instruction
In compliance with the Code of Conduct regarding Foreign Languages [Gedragscode Voertaal6] the language(s)
of instruction and examination in the programme are: English and Dutch
Students are required to be sufficiently proficient in the language or languages of instruction used in the programme.
Article 2.9 Quality
The programme must comply with the applicable national and international quality requirements, and with the quality standards with regard to education set out in the framework document Leiden University Register of Study Programmes.
5. The uniform structure of the academic year and the explanatory notes to the new semester structure were adopted by the Executive Board on 14 October 2004.
6. The Code of Conduct regarding Foreign Languages [Gedragscode voertaal] was adopted by the Executive Board on 11 July 2002 and can be found at the following website: www.reglementen.leidenuniv.nl
Chapter 3
Curriculum
Article 3.1 Compulsory Components
3.1.1 The compulsory components (including the master’s thesis [afstudeerverslag]) are listed in the prospectus. The study load and level have been stated for each of the components. The number of credits is stated to indicate the study load.
3.1.2 The prospectus will include more detailed information on the content and structure of each compulsory component.
Article 3.2 Practicals
The prospectus lists the components which include practicals, stating the nature and the student’s workload for these practicals, and indicating whether participation in these practicals is mandatory for entry to the examination of the component. The board of examiners may grant exemption from a practical; in that case, the board may or may not impose alternative requirements.
Article 3.3 Registration for Courses
Participation in courses is in order of registration, with the provision that students who are registered in a programme are guaranteed access to courses of that programme.
Article 3.4 Master’s Thesis
Chapter 4
Examinations and Final Examination
Article 4.1 Frequency of Examinations
4.1.1 For each component, examinations will be held at least 2 times per academic year.
4.1.2 If a component contains a practical part, students may only sit the examination as referred to in paragraph 4.1.1 if they have successfully completed the practical, unless the board of examiners provides otherwise.
4.1.3 In accordance with Section 7.13 (2) (h) of the Act, the examination dates have been included in the prospectus.
Article 4.2 Obligatory Order
Entry to examination of the master’s thesis is conditional on the student having successfully completed the examinations of all other course components of the Master’s programme.
Article 4.3 Methods of Assessment and Examination Formats
4.3.1 The prospectus states whether assessment may take place by means of either a written or an oral examination or a skills test.
4.3.2 In special cases, on request of the student, the board of examiners may allow the student to take the examination in a manner that deviates from the one prescribed in the prospectus.
4.3.3 Students with a disability may take examinations in a manner that has been adjusted to their particular disability, in order to accommodate their disability as much as possible. If necessary, the board of examiners will seek expert advice before reaching a decision.
4.3.4 All examinations shall comply with the code of conduct on the language of instruction and examination [Gedragscode voertaal6].
4.3.5 Students will be assessed on an individual basis if a component involves presentations, research, reports or other course activities that require students to work in groups.
Article 4.4 Oral Examinations
4.4.1 An oral examination may involve only one student at a time, unless the board of examiners has provided otherwise.
4.4.2 Oral examinations are public, unless the board of examiners or the examiner concerned has decided otherwise, owing to special circumstances, or unless the student objects.
Article 4.5 Academic Fraud
4.5.1 In accordance with Section 7.12, subsection 4 of the Act, the board of examiners has set out, in the Examination Rules and Regulations [Regels en Richtlijnen voor de examens], the measures to be taken in the event of academic fraud, including plagiarism.
4.5.2 In accordance with Section 7.12, subsection 4 of the Act, the board of examiners shall set out rules regarding the proper procedures during examinations and the measures to be taken to that end. The board ensures the right of the student to appeal against decisions of the board or the examiners; in this respect, it shall at least set out rules regarding
- the provision of a copy of their marked examination paper to students;
- safeguarding the legal rights of students during oral examinations, for instance by recording those or by having those attended by a second examiner.
Article 4.6 Assessment
4.6.1 Immediately after the oral examination, the examiner shall inform students of their result and hand them a written notification of that result.
4.6.2 Within fifteen working days after the date of the examination, the examiner shall mark any written or other test and provide the administration office of the department with the information necessary to present the student with a written notification of the result of the examination.
4.6.3 If the examiner is unable to comply with section 4.6.2, which provides that results must be submitted to the department’s administration within fifteen working days, the student shall be notified thereof within said time limit. The student shall also be informed of the relevant procedure in such cases.
4.6.4 The written or electronic notification of the examination result shall inform students of their right to view their marked examination scripts – referred to in Article 4.8 below which provides for the access of students to examination scripts – and of appeals procedure.
4.6.5 At the request of the student, a written proof of the examination result shall be sent to the student.
Article 4.7 Assessment of the Master’s Thesis
The master’s thesis report shall be discussed and defended in a session with the thesis supervisor and the second reader.
Article 4.8 Period of Validity of Results
The board of examiners may oblige students to take an additional or a substitute test for examinations that were passed more than 3 years ago.
Article 4.9 Access to Marked Examination Scripts and Evaluation
4.9.1 Students have the right to view their marked examination script, at their request, for a period of at least thirty days following the publication of the results of the written examination.
4.9.2 During the period referred to in the first paragraph, the examination questions and assignments, as well as – if possible – the marking criteria may be inspected.
4.9.3 The marked test will be evaluated with the examiner if the student so requests. An opportunity for evaluation will be announced together with the examination results.
4.9.4 The board of examiners is authorised to decide whether the test will be evaluated collectively or individually.
4.9.5 The board of examiners determines where and when the evaluation will take place.
4.9.6 Students who, due to circumstances beyond their control, are unable to attend the evaluation referred to in paragraph 4.9.5 shall be granted another opportunity for evaluation, if possible within the period referred to in paragraph 4.9.1 above.
Article 4.10 Exemption from examinations and/or practicals
At the student’s request and after consultation with the examiner involved, the board of examiners may grant the student exemption from one or more examinations or practicals under the following conditions:
▪ The student has successfully completed, at a university or an institute of higher professional education, one of a programme’s components that is similar in content and level to the component for which the student requests exemption.
as referred to in Article 5.1, or possess proof of admission as referred to in Article 5.2. Students must file their applications for the final examination with the administration of the Institute of Public Administration. 4.11.2 Before determining the result of the final examination, the board of examiners may itself conduct an examination to establish whether the student has achieved the programme’s attainment level.
4.11.3 The final examination will be held at any time during the academic year.
Article 4.12 The Master’s Degree
4.12.1 The degree of Master of Science, is awarded to those who have passed the final examination. 4.12.2 The degree certificate states the degree awarded.
4.12.3 A supplement complying with the guidelines of the Act and of the Leiden University Register of Study Programmes [Leids universitair register opleidingen] is attached to the degree certificate.
Chapter 5
Admission to the Master’s Programme
Section 5.1 Direct Admission
Article 5.1 Direct Admission
Requirements for direct admission to the master’s programme are:
a bachelor’s degree obtained after completion of the Bestuurskunde programme at Leiden University.
Section 5.2 Conditional Admission
Article 5.2 Proof of Admission
5.2.1 The faculty board must grant proof of admission to students who meet the admission requirements laid down in Article 5.3, insofar as the maximum number of students to be enrolled will not be surpassed. The maximum number is set by the Executive Board.
5.2.2 Students may apply for proof of admission in accordance with the rules laid down in the Regulation for Admission to Master’s Programmes [Regeling toelating masteropleidingen]7.
Article 5.3 Admission Requirements
Without prejudice to the provision in article 5.2.1 regarding the capacity, those will be admitted to the programme who:
▪ possess the skills, understanding and knowledge that are required for earning the bachelor’s degree referred to in Article 5.1;
▪ have earned the degree of Bachelor at a university not being a university of professional education, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree;
▪ are sufficiently proficient in the language(s) of instruction, to be assessed by the board of admissions TOEFL: internet based 88, computer based 230, paper based 570 or IELTS test: level 7.
Article 5.4 Deficiencies
5.4.1 Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree, but who still have a deficiency of 5 (ranging from 1 to 15) credits, may be admitted to the programme if it can be reasonably expected that they will meet the admission requirements within a limited amount of time.
5.4.2 Students with the deficiencies referred to in paragraph 5.4.1 may participate in the programme after admission, but will not be allowed to take examinations nor the tests named by the faculty board when granting admission to the programme.
5.4.3 For the admission referred to in paragraph 5.4.1, the board of admissions will compile a bridging programme with tests.
5.4.4 If a student is admitted to the programme under paragraph 5.4.1, tests that are taken in order to meet the admission requirements cannot be part of the curriculum of the master’s programme.
Article 5.5 Bridging Programmes
5.5.1 The department has compiled bridging programmes in order to make up deficiencies. Information about the bridging programmes is published in the prospectus.
Chapter 6
Student Counselling
Article 6.1 Student Progress Report
6.1.1 The department keeps records of the results of individual students.
6.1.2 The department provides each student with a copy of the results obtained at least once a year. 6.1.3 If the department concludes that a student is experiencing a significant delay in comparison to the nominal study progress, it shall inform the student of the support available for drawing up an individual study plan.
Article 6.2 Introduction and Student Counselling
The department takes care of the student’s introduction to the programme and student counselling.
Article 6.3 Professional Sports
Students who play sports at a professional level are offered the opportunity to adjust their study programmes to their sporting activities wherever possible. The department follows the guidelines drawn up by the Executive Board to determine who fits into this category.
Article 6.4 Permanent Disabilities
Where possible, students with a disability or chronic illness are offered the opportunity to adjust their study programmes in accordance with the limitations resulting from their disability or illness.
Chapter 7
Final Provisions
Article 7.1 Amendments
Amendments to these regulations are implemented by a separate order of the faculty board with the prior consent of the faculty council.
Amendments to these regulations which also apply to a particular academic year shall be implemented before the beginning of that year and published in the prescribed manner, unless earlier implementation of an amendment to the regulations is strictly necessary and in all reasonableness does not harm students’ interests. Furthermore, amendments to the regulations may not adversely affect any prior decision pertaining to students taken by the board of examiners on the basis of these regulations.
Article 7.2 Publication
The department takes care of the appropriate publication of these regulations, of the rules and guidelines set by the board of examiners, and of any amendment to these articles.
Article 7.3 Entry into Force